Manchester, NH –WMUR today released a video of Republican Candidate for Governor Walt Havenstein, who is challenging Andrew Hemingway for the nomination, referring to members of the Tea Party as “Tea Baggers.” The WMUR story can be seen here. Hemingway released the following statement.

“Whether one likes the ‘Tea Party’ or doesn’t like the ‘Tea Party,’ everyone should be offended by this. People have referred to me as a Tea Partier and I always say this: If you mean an average citizen worried about the future of our country as it relates to over-taxation, over-regulation and limited liberty who is willing to stand up and work? Then fine. That’s who these people are. Moreover, Walt is asking to represent these people that he just showed such complete disrespect to. People say the Republican Party is divided. They actually blame liberty activists and Tea Party Members for that divide. But it is only the Washington Establishment-chosen candidate that refers to fellow Republicans in a sexually derogatory manner.

“I call on Walt Havenstein to apologize. I want him to apologize to me and to every single mother, father, and student who for several years have spent precious time working to promote the ideas of liberty and freedom from government intrusion. “